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Government and Politics EDEXCEL GCE Level 3 at Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys

Course description

The new Politics A level is a demanding, but exciting, academic course that covers a wide range of theoretical and practical topics relating to the UK political system, global politics, and political theory. The course is academic in focus, but allows much
scope for students to develop and debate their own political understanding and to get to grips with the political turmoil and crises of Britain and the world today.

Politics is an increasingly popular A level choice at the Langton, with 88 students currently studying the A level course, and sits very well alongside other humanities subjects and in particular History. Many students every year go on to study Politics
at university in the form of International Relations, PPE, joint honours with History, or other combinations.

In terms of skills required, the subject is probably closest to History, revolving around constructing written arguments in response to short answer questions and essays.

Details of the Pearson Edexcel syllabus are as follows:

1. UK Politics (23.5% of the A level): exploring the nature of politics and how people engage in the political process in the UK. This includes studying:

the emergence and development of the UK’s democratic system

the role and scope of political parties

the electoral systems that operate in the UK

why individuals and groups vote as they do

the role of the media in contemporary politics

2. UK Government (23.5% of the A level): exploring the nature of government in the UK - where, how, and by whom political decisions are made. This includes studying:

the set of rules governing politics in the UK (the constitution)

the powers and roles of the different branches of government

recent constitutional change and the desirability of further reform

where does sovereignty lie within the UK?

3. Political ideas (20% of the A level): exploring the key features of a number of core political ideologies and thinkers, including:

liberalism

socialism

conservatism

anarchism or feminism

4. Global politics (33% of the A level): exploring a wide range of issues and challenges that shape politics on a global scale in the 21st century. This includes studying:

different theories of international relations

sovereignty and the economic, political and cultural impacts of globalisation

the history and role of key international organisations such as the UN and NATO

global economic issues, poverty, aid, and inequality

international law and “humanitarian intervention”

global environmental issues

power, superpowers, conflict, war and terrorism

The A level is examined via three two-hour written examinations taken at the end of Year 13.

Entry requirements

Grade 6 in GCSE English Language or Grade 6 in History guarantees a place on this course.

Please note that applicants must also meet our overall entry requirements of scoring at least a total of 42 points (simply add up all your GCSE grades) and achieve a Grade 4 or higher in both English Language and Mathematics.

Future opportunities

You could take this course to complement other advanced level courses or to prepare for the A2 part of an Advanced GCE in Government and Politics, which could lead onto higher education in areas of Governments and Politics or more general higher education
courses. With further training, you could go into a job related to Government and Politics such as working for the local or national government within areas of housing, tax, education, travel and other areas of government. You could also train further to become
a member of parliament! You could also go straight into a job as the A GCE is a recognised qualification that will help you develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for, especially in the government
related sectors.

Further information

There will be a presentation on this course at our Sixth Form Open Evening in February.

How to apply

You can apply for this course through UCAS Progress. Add this course to your favourites so you can start making an application.